refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in providing uniform and even lighting across the entire vertical length of the interior space due to the placement of LEDs, leading to increased complexity, manufacturing costs, and reduced service performance, as well as an unsightly appearance with light guide plates that do not illuminate the entire cover area.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a lighting device with a light-emitting unit positioned outwardly from the case opening, using a reflection portion on the cover to redirect light for uniform surface illumination, minimizing the need for additional components and connection lines, and allowing for easy maintenance and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If LEDs are provided at both ends of the lighting module, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the uniformity of light distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the LEDs and the interior space. The light guide plate receives light from the LEDs at both ends and distributes it uniformly across its surface, converting the point-source lighting into area lighting that provides even illumination throughout the refrigerator interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting approach transitions from one-dimensional linear LED placement to two-dimensional surface light emission through the light guide plate. This dimensional change allows light to be distributed across the entire surface area rather than just along the edges, achieving uniform illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide plate and mounting components are added to achieve uniform brightness, then the light uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is integrated with the cover part of the lighting device, merging the lighting function with the structural cover. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting components and reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining uniform light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover part serves dual functions: it provides the structural enclosure for the lighting device and simultaneously acts as the light guide plate for uniform light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the light-emitting unit is positioned inwardly, then the structural compactness is improved, but the maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into separable modules: the cover part containing the light-emitting unit can be detached from the main body. This segmentation allows the light-emitting unit to be easily accessed for maintenance while maintaining a compact integrated structure during normal operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connection lines are extended for installation flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the appearance and contamination resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection lines are routed through existing structural pathways and cavities within the refrigerator interior, copying the established structural routes. This approach provides installation flexibility while keeping the connection lines hidden within the structure, maintaining appearance quality and preventing contamination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides uniform brightness across the entire interior space, enhances the appearance by eliminating the spotlight effect, simplifies maintenance, and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by minimizing additional components and connection lines.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit accommodated in the cavity, wherein the light-emitting unit is disposed more outwardly than the case opening, wherein the light-emitting unit irradiates light toward an inner surface of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a cover coupled with the lamp case to cover the case opening, wherein light from the light-emitting unit is reflected from the cavity through the cover toward the refrigerator interior space
Implementation Method 3
a reflection portion formed on the cover, wherein the reflection portion is configured to allow light from the light-emission unit directed toward the case opening to be redirected toward the inner surface of the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refrigerator apparatus includes a case opening passing through a inner case; and an lighting device in the opening, wherein the device includes: a lamp case having a cavity defined therein; a light-emitting unit accommodated in the cavity, wherein the light-emitting unit is disposed more outwardly than the case opening, wherein the light-emitting unit irradiates light toward an inner surface of the cavity; a cover coupled with the lamp case to cover the case opening, wherein light from the light-emitting unit is reflected from the cavity through the cover toward the refrigerator interior space; and a reflection portion formed on the cover, wherein the reflection portion is configured to allow light from the light-emission unit directed toward the case opening to be redirected toward the inner surface of the cavity.